Things to do in Mongolia before or after your race

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Arrive a little early, or stay a few days after the finish, and Mongolia will repay you with some of the most peaceful and memorable landscapes on Earth. Whether you want a cultural warm-down staying with nomads and sipping milk tea or an adrenaline desert adventure, here are the best ways to make extra days in Mongolia sing.

Ulaanbaatar for city flavour and easy logistics

Allow a day or two to acclimatise, sort kit and see the city. Visit the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, stroll Sukhbaatar Square, and check out the numerous city museums for a cultural primer. Check out our Ulaanbaatar story for more information.

Terelj National Park an easy escape from the city

Only a 1–2 hour drive from Ulaanbaatar, Terelj is an ideal one- or two-night option if you only have limited time. Walk to Turtle Rock, hike gentle trails, try horseback riding, or spend a restful night in a ger camp under a sky far cleaner than in the capital. Terelj gives you steppe, pines and prayer flags without the long drives needed for other highlights. Lonely Planet and many local operators list it as a classic short trip. Lonely Planet

The South Gobi for dramatic dunes, flaming cliffs and camels

For a real contrast, head south to the Gobi. Typical highlights: the Khongoryn (Khongor) sand dunes for sunset and dune-climbing; the Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag), famous for dinosaur finds; and camel treks on Bactrian camels. If you want a structured experience, specialised operators run 2–4 day Gobi circuits that include ger stays and cultural stops.. 

Khuvsgul (Hövsgöl) Lake for fresh water, pristine forests, and cool recovery

If you can spare a week, fly north to Khuvsgul Lake (the “Blue Pearl” of Mongolia). Hike pine-fringed shores, kayak on crystalline water, or simply relax in a lakeside ger after days on your feet. The cooler climate and quiet forested landscape are an excellent active recovery for runners who’ve just done a heat-exposed event.

Stay with nomads in authentic, ethical ger stays

One of the most rewarding ways to experience Mongolia is to stay in a ger (yurt) with a nomadic family. Organisations such as GER to GER specialise in community-based itineraries that support local families — staying with nomads is great for cultural immersion and low-impact tourism. You’ll learn how to milk a mare, try dairy products, and sleep to the sound of wind and milk-tea stories. 

Practical tips for racers

– Book transfers and short trips through reputable local companies. We work closely with, and recommend, Eventour for everything from airport and city logistics to organising your multi-day Mongolian adventure. 

– Keep post-race plans gentle: altitude and travel fatigue add up. Choose low-effort activities like ger stays, short hikes, cultural visits, or lakeside rest rather than multi-day trekking right after the race!

– Weather can change fast in Mongolia. Pack layers, a light waterproof, and sturdy footwear even just for day trips.

– If you want to maximise time, internal flights (Ulaanbaatar ↔ Khuvsgul or to southern hubs) save days on the road; otherwise, set aside long driving legs for the far-flung destinations.